The Deacon and the Shield

by John E. Howard

  Lt. Sam Holler opens the door to Eddy’s hospital room. He has an envelope in his hand. He sits down beside his friend’s bed. “I wish that I didn’t have to do this.”

  “Didn’t have to do what? Oh, it’s you, Sam. What’s up?”

  “Here, read this and then we will talk.”

  Subpoena

  Informal Request for Appearance

  Eddy Edward Riffle

  Investigation into the following events:

  An unknown shot Mr. A. Baddon while in a police raid.

  An unknown shot and wounded a person known as The Clown.

  An unknown shot and killed Roddy Shaw.

  Inconclusive: Detective Boone was found lying in ocean waters just off the beach and near his residence. Cause of death: drowning with possible implications.

  Cause for hearing:

  Mr. Eddy E. Riffle stated that he had ownership of the type of weapon used in the above violations. To wit: Army-issue M24 long distance, 800m range, rifle with scope.

  Mr. Eddy E. Riffle personally interacted in some capacity with all victims listed above.

  Mr. Eddy. E. Riffle is requested to appear in the Orange County Courthouse at the specified date of two months from this date to determine degree of involvement in the above-named incidents. By Order of Judge G.R. Rule.

  “This is serious, Eddy. I think that there is enough circumstantial evidence to warrant an indictment. I’ll help all I can but the DA has warned me to be neutral and conduct a fair investigation. My hands are tied. Any suggestions?”

  “Sam, sorry that you have to go through this trauma. All I can tell you is that I just don’t remember if I did any of this stuff. You will have to find out one way or another. If I am involved, I need to pay up.”

  Sam got up to leave when Nurse Cranky entered the room. “Is Mr. Holler still here?”

  “Yes, that would be me.”

  “Some man just dropped this note off and told me to give it to you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Eddy, do you know Robert Zyler Starman?”

  “That’s Bob, my buddy from my Vietnam days! What is it?”

  Sam read the note before responding: “Listen to this, Eddy!”

  Sgt. Robert Zyler Starman

  Sgt. Starman: US Army. Served with Sgt. Eddy Riffle in the 14th Artillery, Americal Division, Chu Lai, Vietnam. Received Army Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star. Honorable Discharge – 1972.

  After my first tour of duty in Vietnam, I went home to my family and friends. I tried to understand the USA way of life but it was too frivolous for my state of mind. I could not adjust and was in constant trouble with the law and my family. My only choice, as I saw it, was to reenlist in the Army where I was appreciated.

  A mere cannoneer of a 105 howitzer would never satisfy me because I yearned to contribute more to my country – make an impact. So, I joined the Special Forces Branch and trained as a sniper. As for me, holding someone’s life in my hands is the peak of emotional resolve. Get the job done and do it for the right reasons. But I never could figure what was right and what was wrong in this line of work. At least, I was an important somebody.

  After many years, my military obligation came to an end. Over time, I made many friends and they had inside contacts. They helped me to secure employment in the Secret Service. Because of my special skill, I was assigned covert operations and became known as one of the best in long-range targets. For my own safety, I went by my middle name of Zyler. When I lost my perspective, I was forced into retirement.

  Not ready to hang it up, I found myself lacking in formal education and experience at real work, so I let it be known that I was available for contract work; kind of like have gun will travel. A former associate in the sniper business, became aware of my situation and vouched for me. I received a call. My services were needed by a syndicate with unscrupulous enterprises. By coincidence, this organization was having turf problems with another faction headed by Mr. A. Baddon, a.k.a. The Employer. He was taking too much and in charge of too many enterprises – not good for his health. I was highly paid to make a change. At that time, I did not know that Sgt. Eddy Riffle was involved with Mr. A. Baddon until I saw him lurking in the rafters of that hangar on Pier 5. I could hardly believe my eyes but it really was The Deacon.

  I found a nice spot in the back rafters that hid me from Eddy. When the time was right and in all that confusion and noise, I completed a perfect shot. I’m not in need of credit, so I let the police congratulate themselves. But then someone had to perform an autopsy and then somebody else started scratching their head.

  As for Detective Boone, I was not involved with his demise. He probably got some poetic justice.

  Then this clown situation began. I was informed that The Employer was still alive and active. I could not have missed, so I have no idea how it escaped death. My sources informed me that he had taken a disguise in the form of a clown. It was hiding from a mouth-closer called Zyler. I want to make it perfectly clear that Zyler is me. I am that Zyler and being a sniper is my profession. I am after The Employer and won’t rest until I mark him once and forever.

  In further investigation, I discovered that my army buddy was the legal expert for a new capo – Mr. Client. I was surprised at first, but I calculated that The Deacon had fell off the church wagon. It probably was for the same reason I’m no good – PTSD. So, I decided to stay behind the scenes and help him keep out of trouble. He was just about everything for me on the battlefield and helped me through rough times. I won’t forget.

  It wasn’t hard to start tracking Eddy. He is a big lummox when he is unsuspecting that a sniper is following him – not to hurt him but to protect him.

  Who would think that Eddy could get into trouble watching a parade? That was the first time since Vietnam that I saw my friend. Hidden by a baseball cap and sunglasses, I sat at a nearby table. He could have hit me with a popcorn kernel.

  The clown made him a proposal. It wanted Eddy to eliminate Zyler and get it mega cash at the same time; neat plan, but it didn’t work.

  After investigating the clown at my former field office, all the info that I could get confirmed was that this person was “not of this world!” I thought: “Maybe where it comes from, they have nine lives, so I will erase a few.”

  Staked myself out on the 12th floor of the office building, I followed the action. The only shot I could get was when Lt. Holler cuffed the clown and took it across the parking lot to the police van. I pulled the trigger and hit the clown dead center. I thought that it was a goner but somehow, it twisted and the bullet apparently missed; or did it? I can’t miss two times in a row!

  Feeling that I still needed to surveil Eddy, it was by accident that I crossed paths with Jonnie and Roddy Shaw at a bookie hangout. They were arguing over back loans and money owed – that kind of stuff. When I heard the name Riffle mentioned, I became alarmed. So, I asked my sources and got the inside story. I never cared for Roddy Shaw, but I do care for Eddy Riffle and now for his brother, Jonnie.

  The best way to get to ground zero was to follow Roddy Shaw. I did and I saw the whole deal. He hid in that alley and was going to have an old-fashioned shootout with Jonnie. It would have been a mismatch. Roddy Shaw was adept at pistol shooting and didn’t care who he shot. Jonnie had no chance. I owe Eddy too much to stand by and let his brother get ambushed. That’s what happened. I nailed that bushwhacker! I know that I did not miss this time.

  This is my confession about my involvement. It’s in my own words and written by my own hand and by my own free will.

  Sorry, Lt. Holler, I will not turn myself in to the authorities because I’m not finished with business. I know that I’m lost to the darkness and probably to the bottomless pit, but I plan on setting things right until that day arrives. If I can find The Shield, who knows? Besides, my buddy, Sgt. Eddy Riffle, will help me – he’s The Deacon!

  Sam to Eddy: “Here it is; your exoneration. All charges will be dropped. But th
at is not the good news. Your brother, Jonnie, is alive and well. He’s been helping us on the investigation. We had to smoke out the sniper. All the evidence was pointing at you and we had to act. Jonnie really didn’t want to go along with that story about him floating in the bay, but I convinced him that it was all for your good.”

  “The department knew right off that Jonnie did not shoot Robby Shaw and it was the sniper that pulled the trigger. Besides, with that football injury, he’s such an awful shot that he blasted that bakery in the butt. If the sniper had not made the hit, Jonnie would have been a goner.”

  “One thing more: sorry, but we did not figure on you getting attacked by those henchmen. We really messed up there and you had to pay for it. Jonnie was out of his mind until you bucked up and started fussing with Nurse Cranky. And, since we were shooting blanks, the DA had no choice but to charge you with the murder of Roddy Shaw. It’s a good thing that your pal, Bob Zyler, has now confessed and this puts the icing on the cake. I just wish I could take a piece of that cake and let the DA have it on the snout!”

  “Thanks Sam; you the man!”

  Chapter Twenty

  St. Michael Returns – The Verdict

  “A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.” Prov. 16:11.

  The room was unusually quiet and dark. Visitors and visions had subsided. Family will arrive later. Nurse Cranky, real or unreal, was taking a break. She wanted her patient to get some rest. She had opened the window so he could get some fresh air. He had been very busy while being in a coma.

  A gentle breeze that had filled the room with comforting caresses, was now becoming agitated with bluster. Curtains and shades began flapping to and fro. An eeriness crept into the room. Darkness was interrupted by quick flashes of light. An apparition was present. Its personality blossomed like sweet Lilac, which permeated the sleeping patient.

  All in one: The Grim Reaper, The good Angel of Death, The Guardian of the Church, and The Archangel – St. Michael materialized from his special viewing spot: he watched the whole show! And, now It was time for The Verdict!

  The hooded angel eased his way out of the shadows. His presence was intimidating as he hovered slightly above ground with sickle in one hand, sword in his belt, and the balancing scales in the other hand; that’s his ‘I mean business’ attire. He floated above the peaceful target before settling beside the bed. He changed his appearance into the same form that Eddy envisioned on their first visit. He spoke in clear voice; one that Eddy would remember and not become alarmed. “So, they call you Eddy!”

  Gently opening his eyes: “Yea, who is it? Are you bringing me flowers and sweet grapes or is that a whipping stick that’s ready to harvest the chaff? I know who you are even if I am groggy. Michael, did you ride in on your black horse?”

  Eddy was calm, laughed and continued: "Good thing that Nurse Cranky did not get a clear look at you or she would still be beating you with that leather belt that she carries. She uses it on unruly patients or anybody else that might get in her way.

  Michael speaks: By the way, I know Nurse Cranky very well; we work together; it’s one of my often-used disguises to get inside information."

  The sick man: I thought that she looked familiar but a little homely for an angel.

  “Eddy, Eddy, you amaze me. Lying here with very little of your own blood left in your body, you’re still able to find something funny. How about if I make you a promise. If we wind up flying away, I will let you ride up front on that black horse; whether it’s up or we go down. We do have a heat buffer.”

  “Thanks Mike. Riding your horse going upward is preferred. But I hope that I’m not done on this earth. I want to go home to my family. I should leave right now, even in this chilly gown. All I really need is my toothbrush and eyebrow tweezers. You can collect me at a later date. You don’t mind if I call you Mike, do you? I’ve become close to you lately. If you like, it’ll be St. Mike!”

  “Sure, whatever, but I still have my job to do. I treat every soul with care and respect. We know that it’s not easy for anyone to live four score years in this dangerous world. I’m not the meanie that everyone is so scared to meet. I’ve been around a long time and helped many to find their way home. And, what I have found is that most are ready and relieved that their tribulations are over; it’s the promise of salvation through Jesus and that joy cometh in the morning. When the time arrives, it’s likened to a woman giving birth: ‘A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.’” John 16:21

  “Well, Mike, I’ll have to admit that you are a hard angel for us mortals to understand. I guess all our questions will be answered; when the time is right. Say, one more thing. I’m sorry for that wrestling match we had on Easter. Remember, I jumped out of darkness and right on top of your back. What a match! I should have known that you are a square guy.”

  Interruption: Ellie, Lynn, Niki, Jamie, and Aaron pushed opened the door to the room. “We have the release papers. It’s time to go home. We’re going to have an ice cream and cake celebration.” Catching a glimpse of Michael as he slithered back into the shadows, Ellie shrieked: “What was that; a ghost?”

  Michael quickly stepped back into the light. This time he presented a kind face and not so much like Eddy. He said: “So, they call you Eddy’s family!”

  Eddy could see the fright of his family and intervened: “Michael, they came to get me. You can’t stop them; they’ve got their minds made up. I was almost on my way and I’ve already packed that tweezer and toothbrush. I’m not too selfish to want to go home, am I Mike?”

  Michael smiled: “Having a loving family is tops and is a blessing that all should recognize; it’s part of God’s plan. I sense that your family is still a little upset at my sudden appearance and do not understand what’s occurring.”

  Gently, he removed his golden themed headwear revealing to all an “aura” of light.

  “This light is called a halo and God gave me this to reveal that I am truly one of His select. It’s time for an angelic presence right here on this earth and that’s why I’m here. We are like a life preserver to those who have fallen overboard and will perish without a simple lift to give them buoyance. So, don’t be afraid, I’m here with God’s countenance.”

  Eddy summoning his courage: “Do I have a chance or is it curtains?”

  Ellie: “Are you here to take Eddy to heaven?”

  “Let’s just see about that. Normally, I do not include the whole family for The Verdict, but there is always a first time. So, try not to be too excited or scared; it’s something all must face. God is love and He understands your fears. That’s why Jesus was endowed with a human body – incarnate. That way, God knows all your wants and feelings.”

  St. Michael calmly reached under his cape and retrieved his scales and set them on the table. He retrieved his sickle and sword and stood them against the wall; waved his hand and they disappeared. Closing his eyes, he lifted another object from under his cape. It had the form of gases that was illumined with colors of the rainbow signifying God’s covenant with mankind. “And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.”

  He placed the rainbow vision on a pivot point of those weighing scales. The entire Riffle family sat hypnotized by its glowing beauty; not sure of what they were witnessing. Eddy knew that everything he had done in his life would be “weighed on the scales” and that this Holy image would now render a verdict.

  All watched in wonderment. To the eyes of beholders, the images were similar to the visualization of objects within white fluffy clouds and how those objects can slowly reshape and change into new objects and delight imaginations within their own perceptions.

  Spoken words came forth from out of the ever-changing h
aze – endearing, soft, and piercing:

  “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

  “A prodigal son has returned – follow Me into the great tribulations.”

  “And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them,”Follow me, and I will make you Fishers of Men." It’s time; The nets are once again empty!"

  The Verdict – “Follow Me”

  “Follow Me – the sealing of the saints is yet to occur. The casting of the nets lies just ahead as mankind evolves into the beginning of woes and the great tribulations and the fulfillment of Biblical prophesies: ‘And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of Israel.’” Rev 7:1-4

  It is believed by some religions that the sealing of the 144,000 are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn.

  “Is it possible that Eddy Riffle, so lost, so confused, and so like a vessel that was broken beyond repair, be delivered into the steadfastness of a saint; one of the 144,000? Why not you?” The Son of God came to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

  St. Michael mounted his snorting black horse that eagerly flapped his giant wings because it was time to go home; the comfort of the corral was calling. Up and on and away; into the heavens they flew.